I received a non-renewal notice for my 2011 Sea Ray. The insurer said, “To renew, provide a Condition and Valuation (C&V) Survey from a SAMS/NAMS surveyor.” I called around—surveys cost about $25/ft (around $1,000 for my boat) plus the haul-out fee.
Key Takeaways
- The 10/15/20 Year Rule: Insurers have strict age thresholds. Once a boat hits 10, 15, or 20 years old, they demand a professional survey to ensure it isn’t rotting.
- SAMS/NAMS Accredited Only: Do not hire “Generic Joe” the surveyor. Insurers usually reject surveys unless the surveyor is accredited by SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) or NAMS.
- Recommendations are Mandatory: The survey will list “A” (Must Fix) and “B” (Should Fix) recommendations. You must fix all “A” items (e.g., old fire extinguishers, cracked hoses) and send proof before they will bind coverage.
- Market Value Check: The survey also sets the “Agreed Value.” If the surveyor says your boat is worth $50k, but you insured it for $80k, the insurer will force you to lower the coverage (and won’t refund the past premiums).
The “Why” (The Trap)
The trap is “Surprise Expense.”
Owners budget for insurance premiums but forget the $1,500 survey cost every 5-10 years.
If you can’t afford the survey or the repairs, you are dropped to “Liability Only” coverage, losing your theft/storm protection.
The Investigation (Carrier Thresholds)
I asked underwriters their 2026 age limits.
Geico Marine
- Threshold: Surveys usually requested at 20 years, sometimes 15 for larger vessels.
- Frequency: Every 5 years thereafter.
Progressive
- Threshold: More lenient on smaller boats. May accept a “Self-Inspection” with photos for boats <30ft.
- Older Boats: Will often push older boats to “Actual Cash Value” policies without a survey.
Markel / Global Marine
- Threshold: Strict. 15-20 years.
- Requirement: Must be out-of-water (haul-out) survey.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Survey Age Trigger | Haul-out Required? | Surveyor Type |
| Geico | 20 Years | Yes | SAMS/NAMS |
| Progressive | 20-25 Years | Maybe | SAMS/NAMS |
| Chubb | 10-15 Years | Yes | SAMS/NAMS |
| Liability Only | None | No | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Pre-Inspect Yourself: Before paying the surveyor, check your own boat. Are the fire extinguishers expired? Are the flares legal? Do the navigation lights work? Fix the cheap stuff so you don’t fail the survey.
- Find a Surveyor Early: In 2026, good surveyors are booked months out.
- Negotiate the Recommendations: If the surveyor lists something silly as “Essential,” argue with him before he submits the final report. Once it’s on paper, the insurance company treats it as gospel.
- [IMAGE: Sample page of a marine survey showing ‘Recommendation A: Replace fuel lines’]
- Send Proof of Repairs: You don’t need a re-survey. Photos and receipts of the fixes usually satisfy the underwriter.
FAQ
Can I use a survey from when I bought it 3 years ago?
Usually no. They want one less than 12 months old.
Does the survey guarantee payout?
No, but it locks in the Agreed Value, which is crucial for total loss claims.